President al-Assad receives Chinese special envoy Zhai Jun in Damascus
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad discusses bilateral relations with the Chinese special envoy to the Middle East Zhai Jun in the Presidential Palace in Damascus.
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Syrian and Chinese displayed in conjunction during a meeting between Syrian and Chinese individuals to discuss reconstruction efforts in Syria, Beijing, China, 8 May 2017 (Reuters)
President Bashar al-Assad held talks with the Special Envoy of the People's Republic of China in the Middle East Zhai Jun on Saturday, Syrian state news agency SANA reported.
The parties discussed bilateral relations between Syria and China situating their discussions in a broader context of Chinese relations with other Middle Eastern countries and its essential role in the region.
The Syrian President highlighted China's increased role in bringing peace and stability to the Middle East, adding that China's practices have become the go-to standards in politics, economy, and culture.
He also pointed to China's vital role in global issues, such as providing a balancing political and economic presence, and its development of Russian-Chinese relations. President al-Asad believes that this alongside the BRICS alliance allows for the creation of a strong multipolar international order.
China successfully mediated a peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia an event that has since then brought on further diplomatic efforts in multiple countries across the Middle East.
The restoration of relations between the two countries was followed by Saudi Arabian mobilization to exit the war it led in Yemen for more than 8 years.
The Syrian Foreign Minister has also embarked on many official diplomatic trips to multiple Arab countries including Tunisia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
Syria's President highlighted the significant part the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could play in achieving economic development and cooperation in the region.
The sides also discussed the importance of finding alternatives to the US dollar in international trade, pointing to the function that BRICS countries can fulfill in transforming global financial payments.
The President thanked China for supporting Syria throughout its war, pointing to the diplomatic and economic assistance provided by China.
Finally, President Bashar al-Assad extended his warm welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people.
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